OHV Riders: Stay Safe On The Trail

Arizona Game and Fish reminds OHV riders to stay safe on the trail. Although "National ATV Safety Week" was held in early June, its lessons are year-round. and the Arizona Game And Fish Department is partnering with the ATV Safety Institute to remind all off-highway vehicle (OHV) and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) owners and riders to practice safe riding habits.

According to Game and Fish's OHV Safety Education Coordinator Matt Eberhart, OHVs can be a great, safe way to enjoy Arizona, as long as you obey a few simple yet important rules.

"We want Arizona OHV users to enjoy their sport for years to come, and the best way to do that is to be safe and responsible whenever you ride," said Eberhart. "When a rider wears a helmet, goggles, gloves, long pants and over-the-ankle boots, the risks of serious injury are greatly reduced. Of course, even the best equipment won't protect you if you're taking chances and driving recklessly."

Safety Tips

Below are several simple yet valuable safety tips that all riders should follow:

• Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves. A helmet approved by the US Department of Transportation is required for those under the age of 18, and recommended for all riders. ALL riders are required to wear protective glasses, goggles or a transparent face shield unless the OHV is equipped with a windshield.

• OHVs are designed to be operated off highway, not on paved surfaces. Always ride on designated trails-never on paved roads except to cross when it's safe and permitted by law.

• Never carry a passenger on a single-rider OHV, and no more than one passenger on an OHV specifically designed for two people.

• Always ride sober. Never drink alcohol or use drugs while operating an off-highway vehicle.

• Kids should never ride adult model ATVs. Get the right size OHV for your child and always supervise riders younger than 16.

• Stay on trails. Straying from designated trails may cause lasting damage to wildlife habitat, and can make you harder to find if you get lost or crash.

• Educate yourself by taking an OHV safety course. The Game and Fish Web site has several online learning opportunities

"Off-highway vehicles are not toys, so it's important that you follow the rules and use the proper safety equipment to prevent serious injury," said Eberhart.

For more information, besides from AZGFD, visit http://www.ATVSafety.org, or call (800) 887-2887.